The West Catches a Break While a New Heat Dome Builds Out East

Cooler temperatures and the chance of rain are finally arriving in the West, just as the temperatures are on the uptick again in the East. Read on for the details of the change in the weather in store for the end of August across the country.

Dip in Jet Stream Will Bring Cooler Air to the West Beginning This Weekend

A southward dip in the jet stream across the western U.S. this weekend will send temperatures on a downward trajectory. For instance, highs that hovered in the 90s for Salt Lake City over the last several days will dive into the low to mid 80s by the weekend. Likewise, highs in the 110s in Las Vegas will slip into the upper 90s, translating to a change of 10 to 20 degrees for much of the West.

This atmospheric pattern will also lay the groundwork for moisture to move into the region from the Pacific. While it will not be a washout this weekend, many areas will be dodging rain showers and thunderstorms at times.

Places such as Seattle could see a much-anticipated surge of moisture on Saturday. Farther to the south, tropical moisture coming together near the coast of Mexico could make its way into the Desert Southwest.